The Tolkien Society is an international fan club and educational charity based in England. Founded in 1969 with the blessing of J.R.R. Tolkien, it has expanded its membership across the United Kingdom, Europe and the world.

Contents

History

The Tolkien Society was formed in 1969 by Vera Chapman, an Oxford-educated retired teacher/civil servant, who, horrified at the annexation of Tolkien's works by 'the drugs-orientated writings of hippiedom',[4] decided to form a group dedicated to the true appreciation of Tolkien's works.

On 6 November1969, Chapman announced the formation of the Tolkien Society in the United Kingdom in the New Statesman.[5] Initially London-based, the Society would meet in Chapman's North London flat; they kept in communication via a photocopied newsletter called Belladonna's Broadsheet (Chapman had adopted the name "Belladonna Took" as her Middle-earth alias), which was first published in December 1969.[5] The Society's inaugural meeting was held in January 1970,[5] and its constitution was ratified on 15 January1972.

The Tolkien Society grew steadily, and Chapman willingly passed over responsibility for the bulletin to other hands whilst a more scholarly publication, "Mallorn" also appeared. Belladonna's Broadsheet went through a number of identity changes, being "Henneth Annun" for one issue before its then editor, John Martin, adopted its current name: "Amon Hen".

The Society also undertook a pilgrimage to Oxford, exploring the colleges and sites relevant to J.R.R. Tolkien's life. Visit was made to Wolvercote Cemetery where wreaths in tribute were laid. At that first visit, it was found that a wild bramble had rooted in the topsoil of the grave. This was rapidly uprooted, and the Society offered to buy a rose plant, the offer of which Priscilla Tolkien - Tolkien's only daughter - accepted. The weekend event culminated with a visit to the home of Priscilla Tolkien.

Relations with J.R.R. Tolkien

In 1972 New Year Honours, Tolkien was made a C.B.E. (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) just two days before his birthday. Allen & Unwin had encouraged the Tolkien Society to write to Tolkien on the occasion, and they sent the following telegram:

CONGRATULATIONS ON 80TH BIRTHDAY AND HONOUR. ANOTHER 50 YEARS TO BEAT THE OLD TOOK.THE TOLKIEN SOCIETY (IN BRITAIN)—The Tolkien Society's telegram to J.R.R. Tolkien[6]

The Society also published a congratulatory message in The Times on the 3 January in the 'BIRTHDAYS' section: "TOLKIEN. Professor J. R. R. Tolkien, C.B.E. Congratulations on your 80th birthday. 'Elen sila lumenn' omentielmo.' The Tolkien Society." As a birthday present, the Society also sent him a green china tobacco jar - designed with a huntsman and a white deer - which included best Latakia Mixture tobacco; attached was the following note:

FROM all Hobbits, Elves, Elf-friends, Dwarves, Ents, Numenoreans, Rohirrim, etc. etc. etc. of the TOLKIEN SOCIETY (in Britain) with love and honour and hearty congratulations, to the creator of so much wonder. Although not to be compared with the true LONGBOTTOM LEAF, we hope that this will at least raise a few smoke-rings of happy recollection.THE TOLKIEN SOCIETY—The Tolkien Society's message to J.R.R. Tolkien on his birthday[6]

Joy Hill, Tolkien's secretary, phoned Vera Chapman on the 3 January and said, "Of all the tributes he received, this was the one that gave the greatest pleasure."[6] A month later, he wrote to her:

President

On the 27 June1972, Vera Chapman was invited to a sherry party by Rayner Unwin, where she met Tolkien himself. After exchanging a few words with him about the belladonna plant, she asked if he would would be willing to be the Society's honorary president; he said "Certainly" before concluding, "If I can help your society in any way, I will."[7]

Following the death of J.R.R. Tolkien on 2 September1973, the Tolkien Society offered the post of Honorary President to Christopher Tolkien, Tolkien's son, but Christopher declined saying he thought the his father should remain president forever. At the AGM on 16 February1974 the motion was passed that J.R.R. Tolkien should remain the Honorary President in perpetuo; he remains the Society's president to this day.[8]

List of Chairmen

The following is a list of chairmen of The Tolkien Society. Italic text indicates an acting chairman who was appointed, rather than elected.

Events

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) involves a meeting where formal business (with regard to the running of the Tolkien Society) is discussed, followed by a semi-formal dinner with a guest speaker. It is held each Spring.[12]

The Seminar is an event which consists of a programme of talks on a Tolkien-related theme. It is held most summers (around June or July).[13]

The Tolkien Society also organises large conferences in order to celebrate an anniversary around J.R.R. Tolkien and/or his works. Past events: